Ford assassination attempt, September 5, 1975.

Black and white engraving showing a grassy quadrangle surrounded by colonial-era buildings, with a small handful of top-hatted colonial students traversing the area.

The College Of William &amp; Mary

The 18 members of the U.S. figure skating team as they boarded the ill-fated flight to Brussels on February 4, 1961.

Green hat with gold coins, lucky clovers, and a pot symbolizing St. Patrick's Day on a vibrant green background.

St. Patrick's Day Treasures. Green hat with gold coins, lucky clovers, and a pot

Lesley Kennedy is a features writer and editor living in Denver. Her work has appeared in national and regional newspapers, magazines and websites.

Lesley Kennedy

Lesley Kennedy is a features writer and editor living in Denver. Her work has appeared in national and regional newspapers, magazines and websites.

Lesley Kennedy Archives | HISTORY

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HISTORY

America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a governmental structure that has remained in place for more than 200 years.

U.S. Presidents

The 1970s was an era when the women's rights, gay rights and environmental movements gained momentum. The Vietnam War came to a close, the Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon, the United States ended direct involvement in the Vietnam War and President Jimmy Carter grappled with an energy crisis, inflation and the Iran Hostage Crisis.

1970s

Listicle

Folklore is made up of age-old traditions, music, stories and superstitions that help define human culture. Discover the truth behind mysteries, legends and paranormal curiosities such as UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle, zombies, werewolves, witches, vampires and more.

Mysteries & Folklore

The 1960s was one of the most tumultuous and divisive decades in world history. The era was marked by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and antiwar protests, countercultural movements, political assassinations and the emerging "generation gap."

1960s

Crime has been a dark and powerful undercurrent in human society throughout history. Uncover the facts behind some of the most daring robberies, brazen scams and brutal murders ever committed.

Crime

The U.S. government, with its three branches of government and a system of checks and balances, is responsible for governing the 50 states and all districts and territories of the United States.

U.S. Government and Politics

Sports and recreation are an integral part of human history, from the ancient Olympics to the Kentucky Derby, Jackie Robinson, Negro League Baseball, the Super Bowl and more.

Sports

From religious and patriotic holidays to celebrations of ethnic pride, explore the history of Easter, Passover, New Year's Day, Veterans' Day, Memorial Day and more annual observances.

Annual Observances

Inventions from the telephone to the Model T and the computer have defined human history, and inventors like Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Eli Whitney and Alexander Graham Bell have transformed our society.

Inventions & Science

During the 1980s, conservative politics and Reaganomics held sway as the Berlin Wall crumbled, new computer technologies emerged, AIDS ravaged the United States, especially the gay male community, and blockbuster movies and MTV reshaped pop culture.

1980s

The U.S. Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, created America’s federal government, established fundamental laws and legal structures while guaranteeing certain basic rights for American citizens.

Lesley Kennedy ‑ Stories

The Surprising History of March

The Jolly Leprechaun’s Sinister Origins

The 1961 Plane Crash That Devastated US Figure Skating

Thomas Jefferson: 6 Facts About His Family and Upbringing

The Biggest Manhunts in US History

Why American Communities Began Adding Fluoride to Water

How President Grover Cleveland Won Two Non‑Consecutive Terms

When President Ford Faced Two Assassination Attempts in One Month

Who Invented the Teleprompter?

6 Breakout Speeches From US Presidential Conventions

Why Americans Have a Right to Trial by Jury

How the Mad Cow Disease Crisis Shook Britain